Sunshine Week: Shining light on transparency in government

Transparency in government is garnering more attention these days.

More and more people are demanding transparency from their leaders, whether it be President Donald Trump's tax forms, whether it be Gov. Eric Greitens' use of an app that deletes messages instantly or the sources of his campaign funds.

Much of the public doesn't think much about transparency, but rather the politics embroiled within concealment. That's one reason that every year in March, media organizations recognize Sunshine Week.

Here at the Southeast Missourian, the Sunshine Law helps us keep track of what is happening in local governments. It's the Sunshine Law that requires public entities to post agendas and meeting times. It's what requires boards and commissions to keep minutes. It's what requires councils to discuss things openly, with certain exceptions.

It also helps us review old court cases and examine potential wrongful conviction cases. It is why we know that evidence has been lost by the Attorney General's office in the David Robinson case.

It allows us to check the record and see when old ordinances were passed and what they required. It makes our daily crime report possible. It also lets us bring you news about businesses that are opening.

So as you read through your paper today, it's a time to reflect on how much information you read and consume on a daily basis is made possible because of laws that require transparency. When we think about whom we elect and why we elect them, one of the things we should consider is how transparent they are or willing to be.

Here's to the laws that require transparency in public affairs.